Family Law & Domestic Violence Clinic

Domestic Violence Resources

Tax Relief Web App for Domestic Violence Victims

If you are a survivor of domestic violence and you are facing claims by the government for federal income taxes, interest, or penalties, there are some protections under the law that could help you. The best form of relief is called "Innocent Spouse Relief," and we've created an online application to help you find out if you qualify. As well, we know that safety is a primary concern for survivors of domestic violence, so the app includes a quick-close feature that will open an alternative website to protect you if you believe you are being monitored.

Deciding Which Remedies to Seek Under an Order of Protection

This resource briefly describes the preconditions for obtaining an order of protection under Illinois law and explains each of the many remedies that a petitioner can seek, the preconditions to obtain each remedy, how the remedy can be useful to a petitioner, and tips on what to say to the judge or bring to court. When you are preparing your petition for an order of protection, this resource is intended to help you determine which remedies might be beneficial to you and your circumstances and to check off on the petition form, and what you need to do to improve your chances of obtaining the remedies you seek.

Domestic Violence Educational Programs

What Are You Missing? The Intersection Between Domestic Violence and Competently Representing Your Clients in Ten Practice Areas | October 4, 2017
This program explores the nature and dynamics of domestic violence; some of the special legal protections for survivors of domestic violence; the intersection between domestic violence and competently, and otherwise ethically, representing your clients; how to effectively and compassionately screen your clients for domestic violence; how to employ a “trauma-informed empowerment model” of representation; and other best practices for working with survivors of domestic violence, including risk assessment and safety planning.

Teach (and Treat) Your Children Well: Preventive and Therapeutic Programs for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence | October 18, 2016
This program explores available therapeutic programs and resources for children exposed to domestic violence and how to access them. The program also provides information related to teen dating violence prevention programs and tools that exist in Chicago and how to access these resources for children, in particular, those at a higher risk of teen dating violence due to abuse they have already experienced.

Is There a Better Way to Protect Children From Domestic Violence?: Requiring Partner Abuse Intervention Programs in Custody/Visitation Cases | October 2, 2015
This program explores the harm to children from exposure to domestic violence and how requiring attendance and completion of a partner abuse intervention program (PAIP) can be a long-term method to reduce further domestic abuse and thereby promote the best interests of children in custody/visitation cases.

Legislative Promise Now Within Reach: Best Practices When Seeking Order of Protection Remedies | November 6, 2014
This program presents new developments and best practices to obtain and implement more complicated remedies, including firearm relinquishment, payment of support (child and spousal), temporary legal custody, payment of various types of losses, including attorney's fees, and various forms of counseling in the civil orders of protection.

Why She Doesn't "Just Leave": Understanding Domestic Violence and Illinois Measures to Empower Survivors | October 3, 2013
This program will addresses the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, the barriers to safely leaving an abuser, and the many resources in Illinois available to survivors of domestic violence to empower them to become safe, including Illinois legislation that provides critical protections to survivors of domestic violence.